Spoonbill

Key information

Spoonbills are tall white waterbirds with long spatulate black bills and long black legs. In flight they fly with necks and legs extended, in the water they feed with elegant sideward sweeps of their bill. In the breeding season adults show some yellow on their breast and bill tip. The species is of European conservation concern and a very rare breeding bird in the UK. They are listed are listed on Schedule 1 of The Wildlife and Countryside Act. Most birds migrate south in the winter, but numerous individuals remain and winter in Western Europe.

What they eat:

Mainly aquatic invertebrates and small fish.

Measurements:

Length:

80-90cm

Wingspan:

120-135cm

Weight:

1.3-2kg

Population:

UK breeding:

0-4 pairs

UK wintering:

81 birds

Identifying features:

Spoonbill

Feather colour:
Cream/buffWhiteYellow

Beak:
BlackYellowLongMedium thickness

Natural habitats:
Marine and intertidalWetland

Similar birds:

Where and when to see them

Although still uncommon, spoonbills can be seen on coastal sites in north-west and south-west England and East Anglia. RSPB reserves to visit include the Exe Estuary reserves, Arne, and Titchwell Marsh.